MOST HUNTERS ILLEGALLY TARGETING TURTLE-DOVES DURING FIRST WEEK OF SPRING SEASON SAYS BIRDLIFE MALTA

An estimated 72% of hunters observed during the first week of Malta’s spring hunting season were targeting Turtle-doves rather than quail, according to data collected by BirdLife Malta.

The findings are based on observations carried out between 13 and 18 April across Malta and Gozo. Teams monitored hunting activity from strategic locations, distinguishing between quail hunters moving through open areas and those using hides or stationary setups typically associated with Turtle-dove hunting.

BirdLife Malta described the figures as conservative, noting that visibility in areas such as Miżieb and Aħrax is limited due to dense woodland.

The organisation also reported multiple cases of illegal hunting to the Malta Police Force, including the use of decoys, electronic bird callers, and coordinated shooting. In one case, an injured Turtle-dove was recovered from Ġebel Ciantar and found to have been shot.

A separate incident in Xgħajra saw a masked individual caught allegedly hunting Turtle-doves. The suspect attempted to flee and resisted arrest, injuring a police officer before being detained.

BirdLife Malta argues that enforcing species-specific hunting restrictions remains extremely difficult, particularly with nearly 8,000 licences issued this season. The group also raised concerns about limited enforcement resources, especially in Gozo.

The NGO is now calling on the European Commission to review Malta’s hunting regulations, warning that the Turtle-dove, a red-listed species, continues to face serious threats during its migration period.

#MaltaDaily